Course Overview

The MD in Medical and Health Care Studies is based around four key themes: Biomarkers and Genes; Devices; Microbes and Immunity; Patient and Population Health and Informatics. Our programme is suitable for well-qualified candidates whose research interests correspond with these topics and who want to work on complex medical problems that have both biological and social impacts.

We also have strong links with the NHS and welcome applications from those with a clinical research interest in:

Accidents

Ageing

Ambulatory care

Burns and plastics

Cancer

Cardiovascular disease

Diabetes

Epilepsy

Gastroenterology

Hospital at home

Infectious diseases

Pre-hospital care

Psychiatry

Rheumatology

Trauma surgery

Your two year full time, or four year part-time, programme will feature:

Practice-focused learning

Supervision team with nominated supervisors

You will draw on skills from the broader academic community

Programme seminars and workshops

Access to Wales’ premier purpose-build medical research facility

Collaboration with industry and business partners

During your course you will benefit from our highly regarded specialist facilities and our top ranking research programmes. The research and innovation arm of Swansea University's College of Medicine is the Institute of Life Science (ILS). The vision for ILS is to advance medical science through interdisciplinary research and innovation to improve the health wealth and well-being of the people of Wales and beyond.

Swansea University Medical School is a leading UK centre for medical research

Ranked 1st in the UK Research Environment

Ranked 2nd in the UK for Research Quality

100% world class or internationally excellent in terms of impact (REF 2014)

Postgraduate students will have access to facilities in the £100 million Institute of Life Science (ILS)

Academics conducting leading world research

Unique example of successful collaboration between NHS, academia and industry in the life science and health sector

Close links with the Colleges of Engineering and Science especially through the Centre for NanoHealth

We have strong connections with a range of external partners and collaborators, including the NHS; Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board; Hywel Dda Health Board; UK research council; Welsh Government and numerous national and international links. These connections, along with the skills and qualities you develop during your research degree will enhance your CV, and help you stand out in a highly competitive graduate employment market.

Applicants for a doctoral level degree would normally have, or be studying for, a Masters degree of a UK or another University approved by Senate or similar level qualification. Applicants for the MD degree should normally possess a Bachelor of Medicine or Surgery.

All candidates whose first language is not English are expected to pass the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test at grade 6.5

Applicants to this programme would normally be expected to meet the minimum entry requirements indicated above. The College/School reserves the right to ask for higher academic grades and qualifications. Admissions decisions take into account not only prior academic qualifications, but also factors including the standard of the research synopsis/proposal submitted by the applicant, their performance at interview (if required), intensity of competition for limited places and relevant professional experience (where appropriate).

Applicants to this programme would normally be expected to meet the minimum
entry requirements indicated above. The College/School reserves the right to
ask for higher academic grades and qualifications.

Admissions decisions take into account not only prior academic
qualifications, but also factors including the standard of the research
synopsis/proposal submitted by the applicant, their performance at interview
(if required), intensity of competition for limited places and relevant
professional experience (where appropriate).

If you are a Welsh speaker our dedicated academy, Academi Hywel Teifi, is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We offer you:

An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.

The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh - we will then communicate with you in your language of choice.

The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and every effort will be made to mark your work in its original language.

A Welsh-speaking personal tutor.

One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.

Since 2011, there has been a 40% increase in the number of students studying through the medium of Welsh at Swansea University and our *TEF data over the last two years shows that Welsh-medium students are high achievers in regards to employability (*Swansea University TEF return 2017 and 2018).

If your course starts in January, April or July 2019 please refer to the 2018/19 fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study:
It is now possible for some students to study part-time under the Tier 4 visa route. This is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category. Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Government funding is now available for Welsh, English and EU students starting eligible postgraduate research programmes at Swansea University.
To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's
scholarships and bursaries
page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.
For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.